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Retailers Report Record Shoplifting Losses and Rising Violence against Staff

January 30, 2025

By Evans Momodu
1 minute read

Retailers in the UK have suffered record levels of shoplifting and violence against employees, according to new data from the British Retail Association (BRC).

The latest BRC crime survey, covering the 12 months to April 2024, recorded £2.2 billion in store theft losses, up from £1.8 billion the previous year.

This surge occurred despite £1.8 billion in security investments aimed at combating theft by individuals and organised crime networks.

Key findings from the report:

  • Assaults and abuse against staff increased by 340% compared to 2020/21, with more than 2,000 incidents per day—a 50% rise from the previous year.
  • Weapons were used in 70 attacks per day, and many incidents involved racial abuse.
  • Police attended only 10% of reported violent incidents, raising concerns about enforcement.

Despite these alarming figures, some retailers see progress. The Pegasus partnership, launched in October 2023, is reportedly helping to curb retail crime, according to the Co-op Group’s crime prevention lead.

Retailers continue to urge the government and police for stronger action to tackle theft and violence in stores.
Source: Sky news